When women undergo gynecological imaging studies, many times the reports mention the words cysts and nodules, terms that are not clearly distinguishable at first glance.
There is a difference between a cyst and a nodule
A cyst is a collection of liquid content, a type of small bubble that forms in certain glandular tissues, like the breasts and ovaries, in varying sizes and is usually not indicative of malignancy. A nodule is a solid tissue formation that may be benign or malignant. For example, ovarian and breast cysts are very common. They should only be treated if they grow significantly and cause discomfort or pain, but they do not exhibit any malignant changes. However, solid tumors in both the breasts and ovaries should be examined and verified immediately to rule out a possible malignancy.
Studies for accurate diagnosis
Imaging studies, such as ultrasounds and mammograms, can diagnose both cysts and small solid tumors before they can be palpated during a clinical exam. This is why it is so important for women to
perform annual check-ups. Modern gynecological practices aim at detecting these tissue formations long before the patient feels any hardness during a self-exam and decides to consult their doctor.
The importance of detecting them early
In the case of a nodule that could be malignant, immediate intervention can be done through a biopsy and eventually removal without significant complications. This greatly impacts the patient's prognosis. A nodule less than 10 millimeters is considered an early finding, and its prognosis is much better than if it were larger. In this case, a fine needle aspiration is usually performed to evaluate the content, followed by a biopsy, as it is often benign fibroadenomas or tumors.
Dangers of large cysts
As mentioned earlier, the size is often the worst complication, not that it poses danger, as cysts in the breast cause discomfort and pain, and in the ovaries, they can occupy a part of the ovary, impairing its function.
In some cases, inside a cyst, a malignant formation may develop, but this is not the majority of cases. Therefore, cysts are often aspirated to study the liquid content and determine the next steps.
Can a cyst affect sexuality?
Indeed, if a cyst is of a certain size and the woman is unsure about its pathological significance, and if it causes discomfort during sexual intercourse, for example, she may be afraid that her partner will touch her breasts or that trauma during penetration could rupture the cyst or nodule, or other common concerns. These could lead to decreased libido or sexual arousal. Therefore, it is very important that questions about sexual life be part of the dialogue between the patient and the specialist treating her.
Advice
You should not be ashamed or afraid to ask your doctor everything you wish to know to ease your mind. Sometimes, when doctors don't spontaneously explain what the patient wants to know, the patient doesn't ask and leaves the office feeling confused. It is very important to insist on addressing your concerns and not leave with any doubts, as it concerns your health and your body. By having this knowledge, you will put more energy into taking the necessary steps to resolve the situation.
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